My next car

CT_X5_Joe · #1 02-28-2011, 01:14 PM

I'm sure many of you have seen this, but for those who haven't, I present the Tesla Model S (aka my next car) Model S | Tesla Motors

For a second car, because no way an electric vehicle could ever be my only car, its absolutely perfect. For starters, it looks amazing! Second, it has an advertised 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds. Third, it uses no gas! And while I usually don't care much about the fuel I burn (we wont get into how much gas my boats burn) it would be nice to not have to fill up a little commuter car. And with the current government rebate of $7,500 its UNDER $50k.

Its perfect for a family of two (girlfriend + me) as it can get us around town while looking good, I would imagine its also fun to drive, and cut down on the fuel bill. Either I would drive it to the train station daily (less than 2miles each way) or my girlfriend would take it to the hospital for work (about 10miles each way). We would also use it to drive locally (going out to dinner, trip to the boat, visit parents/friends, grocery store, etc) and of course keep the X5 for anything longer like road trips etc.

Thoughts??

X5rolls · #2 02-28-2011, 01:36 PM

One cool car.

wullaby · #3 02-28-2011, 01:40 PM

Guys, I have seen it in person, it is one cool car. But first model year no way.

CT_X5_Joe · #4 02-28-2011, 01:41 PM

That I agree with. Not only does first model year scare me, but more so Tesla Motors factory direct sales scares me. I mean, who would service an electric car?

wullaby · #5 02-28-2011, 01:43 PM

They have dealerships...for the roadster they came to your house, that might be the case for a while in the model s, i got to ride in the roadster sport @tesla HQ, 0-60 in 3.6s...

Weasel · #6 02-28-2011, 02:12 PM

The only bad thing I've heard about them, well, any full electric car, is that your power bill skyrockets to the point of almost equaling fuel costs... but I have no actual data to confirm this, maybe you'll be able to give real world results.

X5rolls · #7 02-28-2011, 02:20 PM

I think the evening (non peak) hours for charging would be the best bet. Plugging it in during the day in the summer during peak would be much more expensive for sure. They have a dealership near me in Washington D.C., I was sitting at a traffic light last night right in front of it. It was really cool - I think I'm going to go for a visit and check it out sometime soon.

I'm a big fan of electric (not hybrid) vehicles and would consider one in the future.

CT_X5_Joe · #8 02-28-2011, 02:47 PM

According to what I have read, its costs about $3 to charge the battery from 0% to 100%.

The Chevy Volt claims about the same. " A. Electricity is an extremely affordable transportation fuel. With a fully charged battery, most people can commute gas- and tailpipe emissions-free for about $1.50 per day(1). That's about the same annual cost as running a common household appliance. To save even more, some utility companies offer lower electricity rates for vehicles charging during off-peak periods, such as night.

(1) EPA estimated 35 miles initial range based on 93 MPGe (electric); actual range varies with conditions."

Patrick-Irish · #9 02-28-2011, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CT_X5_Joe

(1) EPA estimated 35 miles initial range based on 93 MPGe (electric); actual range varies with conditions."

Does that mean it has a max range of 35 miles on a full charge ??

It is a gorgeous looking car though. Reminds me alot of the Audi RS8.

CT_X5_Joe · #10 02-28-2011, 03:18 PM

Patrick- According to the website, the base model (smallest battery) gets max of 160 miles per charge. I assume if you drive it faster, use the AC/electronics more, it gets far less mileage.

Again, this is according to the manufactures website. BMW claims the 4.4i and 4.8is X5's get 24 mpg on the highway...